NBA Finals 2020 Preview: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Miami Heat

The 2020 NBA Championship will be decided between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Miami Heat.

After the league being shut-down due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and the restarted in the NBA ‘Bubble’ at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. We are down to the best teams in the from the Eastern and Western Conferences.

Los Angeles Lakers 1^st in West (52-19)

The Los Angeles Lakers have been the best team in the West this season. Being led by the superstar pairing of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, LAL were the in-form team before the shut-down. During the Seeding games in the bubble, their form was indifferent. However, when the play-offs started the team was locked in and breezed through The Blazers and The Rockets series with 4-1 wins. In the conference final they faced the up and coming Denver Nuggets, however they did eliminated Denver 4-1.

It has been 10 years since they last appeared in the finals. The Lakers are not only playing for their 17^th NBA Championship, they are dedicating this season to memory of the Lakers great Kobe Bryant, after his sudden passing in February 2020.

Miami Heat: 5^th in the East (44-29)

The Miami Heat have been one of the Biggest surprises of the NBA Bubble. Led by All-Stars Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo and the emergence of Rookie Tyler Herro, MIA have been on a tear, beating their more fancied opponents in the East. Starting with a 4-0 Sweep of the Pacers, they shocked everyone by beating the No.1 seed Milwaukee Bucks 4-1. In the Conference Finals they beat the Celtics 4-2 to advance through to the Final.

Already having 3 titles, this will be Miami’s 6^th Appearance in the Finals. 2014 was their last finals appearance when the team was led by Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and Lebron James, who is now playing for the Lakers.

You can watch all the games live in Australia on ESPN or with NBA League Pass.

All times are AEST / ADEST

Game 1                 Thu Oct 1             11am                   ESPN

Game 2                 Sat Oct 3              11am                   ESPN

Game 3                 Mon Oct 5           10:30am               ESPN

Game 4                 Wed Oct 7           12pm                     ESPN

Game 5*              Sat Oct 10            12pm                    ESPN

Game 6*              Mon Oct 12         10:30am               ESPN

Game 7*              Wed Oct 14         12pm                     ESPN

*Games if necessary